Florida workers' comp · Published by Bright Coast Insurance
Workers' Comp for Small Contractors in Florida
Florida's construction rules apply early. If you run a small crew as a roofer, carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter, mason or concrete contractor, here's what applies.
Last checked 2026-10-31 against FL DFS, Florida Statutes and FWCJUA sources.
Does a small Florida contractor need workers' comp?
Yes, if you have one or more employees. Florida's construction threshold is one, and it counts owners who are corporate officers or LLC members. That's much lower than the four-employee threshold for non-construction businesses. An eligible officer can apply for a construction exemption instead of covering themselves.
The trades in this guide, including roofing, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, masonry and concrete, are construction work under these rules.
Source: FL DFS Division of Workers' Compensation: Coverage requirements — Checked: 2026-10-31
What if I hire subcontractors?
Make sure every sub has workers' comp before they begin work. That's a Florida requirement for contractors. If a sub has no coverage, its workers become your employees, and you pay benefits for a work injury. Collect each sub's certificate and verify it using FWCJUA's Verify COI tool or proof of coverage database link.
If a sub says they're exempt, the DFS exemption help line at (850) 413-1609 can answer questions about exemptions.
Source: FL DFS Division of Workers' Compensation: Coverage requirements · FWCJUA published rate list · effective January 1, 2026 · FL DFS: Construction industry exemptions — Checked: 2026-10-31
How do I get covered fast?
If Florida requires coverage for your business, the simplest path is to have a policy in place before work starts. Bright Coast can quote it and explain the rules in plain language.
Source: FL DFS Division of Workers' Compensation: Coverage requirements — Checked: 2026-10-31
How is my trade classified for workers' comp?
Use Bright Coast's Florida class code lookup, which it says includes 500+ Florida class codes. Rates there are listed per $100 of payroll. Find the classification that matches the work your crew actually does. The listed rates are reference figures, not a quote, so call (239) 475-0361 for real pricing.
We don't walk through codes here. Bright Coast maintains the lookup and its notes.
Source: Bright Coast Florida WC class code lookup — Checked: 2026-10-31
Asked every week
Quick answers
I'm a one-person LLC doing construction. Do I need workers' comp?
Yes, unless you hold a construction exemption, because Florida counts LLC members toward the one-or-more construction threshold. To qualify for an exemption, your LLC must be active with the Division of Corporations, you attest at least 10 percent ownership, pay a $50.00 fee and have a valid driver license.
Can my whole crew be exempt?
Only up to three officers can. Florida allows no more than three officers of a company or affiliated group to hold construction exemptions, and each attests at least 10 percent ownership. Other workers count toward the one-or-more construction threshold, so the business needs workers' comp for them.
What if my sub says they're exempt?
Confirm it before they start. Florida holds contractors responsible for subs without coverage: their workers become your employees and you pay benefits for a work injury. Call the DFS exemption help line at (850) 413-1609 with questions about a sub's exemption status. Keep a record of what you checked.
From our publisher
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